China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has emphasized the need for stabilization of bilateral relations between China and India as the two Asian neighbors seek ways to alleviate the growing military tensions along their extensive border, Reuters has reported.
During the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wang conveyed to India's Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the importance of mutual support rather than suspicion, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the 1990s, relations have improved following a series of border agreements, and China is currently India's second-largest trading partner.
However, the fatal clash in 2020, where 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a hand-to-hand combat during a border skirmish, led to both armies fortifying their positions and deploying a large number of troops and equipment.
Several rounds of military and diplomatic talks have helped ease tensions between the two armies, but New Delhi has described the situation at the border as fragile and dangerous.
Wang urged China and India to work together to find a mutually acceptable solution to the border issues during their meeting on Friday.
"Both sides should support and achieve results together, rather than exhaust or suspect each other," Wang said.
He emphasized that India and China should not allow specific issues to define their overall relationship.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of border talks at the military commander level in the near future, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since 2020, New Delhi has also tightened control over Chinese business by banning over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok, and strengthening regulations on Chinese investments.
Regarding India's recent restrictions on Chinese companies, Wang called for the creation of a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.
India and China share a 3,800-kilometer (2,360-mile) border, most of which is poorly demarcated, and have engaged in a short but bloody war in 1962.
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